From Monday, May 5 to Saturday, May 31, the Ancaster Branch will be temporarily closed due to a roof and HVAC replacement. During this time, service hours will be available at the Morgan Firestone Arena, 385 Jerseyville Road West, Ancaster. The last day to pick up your Holds is Thursday, May 1st. Thank you for your understanding.
Ancaster Branch - Temporary Closure, May 5-31
1
Published:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - 11:00am
Central Library - Microfilm Machine
The digital microfilm machines at Central Library are not working. A single analog machine is available, but it doesn't print. We aim to have the digital devices repaired as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.
1
Published:
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 3:30pm
Barton Branch - Roof Repair
Due to the ongoing roof repair project, noise and parking disruptions will continue until April 25. Thank you for your patience.
1
Published:
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 3:30pm
Sherwood Branch - Basement Renovation
The first phase of renovations will begin at the Sherwood Branch from April 10 to May 2. During this time, noise disruptions may occur throughout the branch due to a basement renovation. Parking, access to the building, and collections will not be affected. Thank you for your patience. www.hpl.ca/sherwood
1
Published:
Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8:30am
Phishing Scheme
Please be aware of online phishing attempts impersonating Hamilton Public Library and Library Staff. HPL does not solicit paid freelance opportunities through social media or other messaging applications. HPL does not request personal or banking information through social media or require financial compensation when reviewing job applications. Please report phishing schemes to communications@hpl.ca. If you think you are a victim of fraud, please call the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - 10:30am
Woodhouse Collection - Listing of Volumes 1-8
#2-1
Central Portion of the City Enlarged
[City of Hamilton, Marcus Smith, 1850-1]
#2-2
Red Hill on H. G. & B. Railway looking west
[Hamilton, Grimsby & Beamsville Railway]
#2-3
[Hamilton. Robert Whale. Aug. 2, 1852]
#2-4
Hamilton
about 1860
#2-5
[Hamilton]
Looking North east from about Emerald St. 1895
#2-6
[Hamilton]
MacNab St. & Westerly about 1885
#2-7
[Hamilton]
#2-8
[Hamilton]
#2-9
[Hamilton]
1875
#2-10
[Hamilton]
About 1890-95. Looking westerly across the Ottawa Street Reservoir
#2-11
S.E. Corner of King & James Sts.
About 1865
#2-12
South side of King St., East of James.
About 1862
#2-13
[Hamilton]
note gas sign - Hamilton VR = Hamilton For Ever
#2-14
[Hamilton]
In 1860 where are the telephone and electric poles?
#2-15
King Street East at James Street.
Note absence of any poles.
About 1862
#2-16
[Hamilton]
In 1900 there are plenty of poles
About 1899
#2-17
[Hamilton]
Where are the poles in 1948? Telephone, Hydro, etc.
#2-18
James Street looking north from Hunter St.
About 1880
Left: Dr. Rosebrugh's house
Right: Thompson's store verandah
#2-19
[James Street South]
On right: house, Harrison's Butcher Shop, McGrath's Carriage Works
and blacksmith where YMCA now
#2-20
Kronsbein Block in 1912
4 to 10 Main St. E.
The first telephone exchange in the British Empire was located in #6's basement, starting July 15, 1878. It was moved to the 1st floor rear on Feb. 14, 1879, in #4 Main St. In July 1879, it was moved to the 2nd room from the front in #4
#2-21
Property of Telephone Historical Collection
The Bell Telephone Company of Canada
#2-22
Property of Telephone Historical Collection
The Bell Telephone Company of Canada
#2-23
James Street South of King Street about 1900
#2-24
Looking South on James from Gore Park
left to right: Bank of Montreal, Federal Life Bldg (now Sun Life),
Commercial Centre, Spectator Bldg., G.W. Robinson, Osborne Chambers
#2-25
Hunter St. E. of James about 1880
Gardner Sewing Machine Co. later Wilson Sewing Machine Co.
1st Salvation Army Barracks.
Clintons - a colored family lived just east. had two very handsome daughters.
Powell's Greenhouses further east at Hughson.
#2-26
James St. S. of King about 1862
#2-27
Commercial Centre
Bank of Montreal. Main & James Sts.
#2-28
King E. of John
Wesleyan Female Institute
About 1870
#2-29
Bank of British North America.
Now the Hydro Building
#2-30
North American Hotel
Later Wesleyan Female Institute
Later Waldorf Hotel
Now replaced by Royal Connaught
This fountain was moved in front of Ham. Gen. Hospital. Barton St.
About 1880
#2-31
[Hamilton]
#2-32
King St. E. looking west from W of John St.
Note: Wood block pavement
#2-33
Hamilton Provident & Loan Bldg.
About 1900
#2-34
King St. looking west from John St. about 1875
Hamilton Provident & Loan Bldg. Canadian Bank of Commerce.
Canada Life Bldg.
#2-35
About 1875
[top left:] Site of 1st - Federal Bank, 2nd - Molson's Bank, 3rd Bank of Hamilton,
4th - Canadian Bank of Commerce
#2-36
Looking west toward King & James St.
Gore Park from roof of Ham. Prov. & Loan Bldg.
About 1875
#2-37
[Hamilton]
1861
#2-38
[Hamilton]
1861
#2-39
King St., north side, west of John, looking west
1863
#2-40
King St., south side, east of John
Now Royal Connaught
about 1875
#2-41
[Hamilton]
About 1892
#2-42
McInnes Bldg. 1879
Today's Post Office corner
#2-43
McInnes Fire. Aug. 1, 1879
#2-44
McInnes Bldg. (SW corner King & John Sts)
Burned Aug. 1, 1879
#2-45
McInnes Bldg. 1879
#2-46
King St., south side, west of John.
[left] Ruins of McInnes Bldg. After the fire
Now the Post office site
#2-47
S.E. corner, King & James Sts. 1900
[right:] bicycle stepping stone
#2-48
Sir John A. Macdonald Monument
Wanzer Factory, Waldorf
#2-49
John St., east side, south of King
Now Royal Connaught
#2-50
Long & Bisby Wool Warehouse
S.E. Corner Main & John Sts.
[left: Main St., right: John St.]
#2-51
1898. U.G. Pole on Hughson, just N. of Main St. 6-40 wire cables & 1-10 pin arms each carrying 20 wires, 10 on pins & 10 on knobs under the arms
#2-52
About 1898
#2-53
The Delta, looking west. 1920
#2-54
Vinegar works on Stuart St.
Just east of the Custom House.
